The year is 1891. Marie Newton is the daughter of a famous painter, Arthur Newton, and she has inherited much of her father's skill. Luckily, her father is happy to encourage his daughter's talent, agreeing that she may attend a prestigious art school in Paris. Accompanying her on her journey is her best-friend, Lucy, a young widow. The girls find themselves entranced by Paris and each finds a sweetheart, though this does not bring happiness for Lucy. In order to help Lucy recover, Arthur proposes that the girls join him and his wife on a visit to America to visit relatives. But, Arthur's past is about to catch up with him...Edward Clayton is determined to find his real father from whom he has inherited his talent as an artist. His, widowed mother, Colette, is apprehensive about his quest as Arthur Newton, her former lover, is married with a daughter and people could be hurt by the revelations. Edward is, however, determined, following the clues from Whitby to Paris to America where he has to face a tragedy that has left a shattered family.